Johannbothma Posted August 31, 2023 Share Is there anyone close close to Benoni Gauteng who can help me sourse parts and help with the build. I'm looking to convert my Mountain bike to a Gravel bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter-morgan Posted August 31, 2023 Share Hi Johann, I am in Boksburg, I have basically built the same, just put Gavel Tires(Maxxis Rampler) on my MTB and got a Carbon fork from Keenbikes, I kept the straight handle-bars. PM me is you interested to see the build - weighs in at 10.3kg with pedals. Johannbothma 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dappere Posted August 31, 2023 Share Building a monster gravel bike seems to be favourable amongst ultra cyclists. Lael Wilcox is one cyclist that comes to mind who rides a similar setup. If adding drop bars, consider shortening the stem to accommodate for the longer top tube. I would love to see how this build progresses - post pictures! Zebra 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johannbothma Posted August 31, 2023 Share 1 hour ago, Dexter-morgan said: Hi Johann, I am in Boksburg, I have basically built the same, just put Gavel Tires(Maxxis Rampler) on my MTB and got a Carbon fork from Keenbikes, I kept the straight handle-bars. PM me is you interested to see the build - weighs in at 10.3kg with pedals. Hii can you maybe whatsapp me on 0603890575 with photos tnx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mongoose! Posted August 31, 2023 Share 1 hour ago, Dexter-morgan said: I kept the straight handle-bars. Ag nee man. Its only a gravel / monster / Frankenstein bike if it has drop bars RustyHWR, Jono, S&W vintage cycles and 3 others 2 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dexter-morgan Posted August 31, 2023 Share Just now, Mongoose! said: Ag nee man. Its only a gravel / monster / Frankenstein bike if it has drop bars I keep it for my weekday training bike - just love the way it rolls. Mongoose! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadenceblur Posted August 31, 2023 Share bar change will cost more money - as will need to change brakes and gears, will need to consider derailleur config etc etc. I did a full conversion and very happy with mine. Dexter-morgan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mongoose! Posted August 31, 2023 Share 4 minutes ago, cadenceblur said: bar change will cost more money - as will need to change brakes and gears, will need to consider derailleur config etc etc. I did a full conversion and very happy with mine. Definitely worth it. Good quality cable brakes also just work fine for gravel 👌 carlheinz, fanievb, S&W vintage cycles and 3 others 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bub Marley Posted August 31, 2023 Share 4 hours ago, Dexter-morgan said: Hi Johann, I am in Boksburg, I have basically built the same, just put Gavel Tires(Maxxis Rampler) on my MTB and got a Carbon fork from Keenbikes, I kept the straight handle-bars. PM me is you interested to see the build - weighs in at 10.3kg with pedals. I’d have kept the suspension fork and rather swapped the bars for drop handle bars. This way you can run nice and wide tires and have the benefit of being more aero in position. 4 hours ago, Dappere said: Building a monster gravel bike seems to be favourable amongst ultra cyclists. Lael Wilcox is one cyclist that comes to mind who rides a similar setup. If adding drop bars, consider shortening the stem to accommodate for the longer top tube. I would love to see how this build progresses - post pictures! Surely you would need to increase your stem length given how upright you normally sit on a Mtb? This way you are a bit more stretched out and more aero. Unless I have it all wrong? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted August 31, 2023 Share I was contemplating doing it on a 26” HT frame I have, but found buying a used cross bike was simpler, cheaper and easier. Maybe not a thrilling as converting a bike. Good luck if you go ahead, and enjoy . Milosh 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadenceblur Posted August 31, 2023 Share 2 minutes ago, Mongoose! said: Definitely worth it. Good quality cable brakes also just work fine for gravel 👌 yeah, I got the tektro hydro Zebra and Mongoose! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted August 31, 2023 Share 1 minute ago, Bub Marley said: I’d have kept the suspension fork and rather swapped the bars for drop handle bars. This way you can run nice and wide tires and have the benefit of being more aero in position. Surely you would need to increase your stem length given how upright you normally sit on a Mtb? This way you are a bit more stretched out and more aero. Unless I have it all wrong? You never want to be “stretched out”, but rather in a comfortable position. The drops and hoods would be further forward than the flats, but perhaps slightly narrower, so shortening the stem would bring them back to within reach. Zebra 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bub Marley Posted August 31, 2023 Share 8 minutes ago, Frosty said: You never want to be “stretched out”, but rather in a comfortable position. The drops and hoods would be further forward than the flats, but perhaps slightly narrower, so shortening the stem would bring them back to within reach. Yeah I was just comparing it to road position tbh. I suppose with the hoods further forward you’re automatically increasing reach so perhaps not necessary tbh. I suppose or comes down to how you want to be set up? If you have an aggressive road position, and want to replicate this or if you want a more relaxed/endurance position for a gravel bike. Frosty 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finallygotabike Posted August 31, 2023 Share I did this some time back, still want to change the fork to a rigid. Also trying to figure out better gears/chainring options to make it a bit more "roadbike-like" as I still have the original SRAM 2x10 setup. Dexter-morgan and Mongoose! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Milosh Posted August 31, 2023 Share If you change bars, fork, brakes, and gears you will be close to this but not be N+1 or one to sell https://rookcycles.com/collections/rook-scout Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NotSoBigBen Posted August 31, 2023 Share 26 minutes ago, Frosty said: I was contemplating doing it on a 26” HT frame I have, but found buying a used cross bike was simpler, cheaper and easier. Maybe not a thrilling as converting a bike. Good luck if you go ahead, and enjoy . Ai ai ai .... 'monstercross' bikes are like single speed bikes ..... you don't BUY one, you BUILD one 😜 ChrisF, 'Kaze Pete, Mongoose! and 3 others 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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